Israeli strikes cause dozens of deaths in Gaza as UN prepares ceasefire vote

Thursday 12 June 2025 - 15:05

By: Zahouani Ilham

Israeli strikes cause dozens of deaths in Gaza as UN prepares ceasefire vote

Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 42 people across Gaza since early morning, according to medical sources cited by Al Jazeera. This comes as the United Nations General Assembly is preparing to vote on a resolution calling for an unconditional ceasefire in the heavily besieged region.

Medical reports indicate that at least 26 of those killed on Thursday died in Israeli drone strikes while waiting in line for food and supplies distributed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial aid group supported by the United States and Israel. Mohammed el-Mougher, a Gaza civil defense official, told AFP that al-Awda Hospital received at least ten bodies and around 200 wounded after drone strikes targeted civilians near an aid distribution point at the Netzarim checkpoint in central Gaza.

El-Mougher also reported that al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City received six bodies following attacks on aid queues near Netzarim and in the as-Sudaniya neighborhood in northwestern Gaza.

Since the GHF began its operations in late May, dozens of Palestinians have been killed while attempting to access its aid distribution points, according to Gaza’s civil defense. The UN has strongly criticized the GHF’s distribution approach, describing it as deeply flawed.

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA), condemned the model on social media, stating that it will not solve the worsening hunger crisis. He emphasized that the UN and UNRWA have the expertise and community trust needed to provide safe and dignified assistance, urging for humanitarian efforts to be allowed to continue unhindered.

Additionally, a medical source at al-Shifa Hospital confirmed two more Palestinians were killed due to Israeli shelling in the Bir an-Naaja area near the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza.

Hamas condemned Israel’s recent decision to cut off communication lines in Gaza, calling it an aggressive move in what they described as Israel’s “war of extermination.” They urged the international community to intervene and protect civilians and humanitarian infrastructure.

The disruption has also caused the UNRWA to lose contact with its Gaza staff, further complicating humanitarian aid efforts.

The UN General Assembly’s vote on a ceasefire resolution is expected to pass with overwhelming support despite Israeli lobbying efforts to discourage participation. Last week, a similar ceasefire proposal was vetoed by the United States in the UN Security Council.